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The first in-depth survey of Scotland's medieval church architecture covers buildings constructed between the early 12th century and the Reformation in 1560. From majestic cathedrals and abbeys to modest parish churches and chapels, Richard Fawcett places the architecture in context by considering the varied sources of ideas that underlay church designs. Over the centuries, Scottish patrons and their masons moved away from a close relationship with England to create a unique late medieval architectural synthesis that took ideas from a wide range of sources. The book concludes with an account of the impact of the Reformation on church construction and design.

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Richard Fawcett is a professor in the School of Art History at the University of St. Andrews and a principal inspector with Historic Scotland. He is a noted authority on medieval Scottish architecture and the author of Scottish Architecture from the Accession of the Stewarts to the Reformation and other works.

"Here, at last, is a richly illustrated, clearly written and authoritative account of the subject." John Goodall, Country Life

"A splendid book... a notable work of scholarly synthesis... Full of riches." George Harris, History Teaching Review

"Richard Fawcett’s latest book is a profusely illustrated (400 plates) and beautifully presented overview and re-evaluation of a long neglected period in Scotland’s architectural history…..The Architecture of the Scottish Medieval Church provides a highly welcome challenge to received thinking about the place of church building in Scotland’s distinctive architectural heritage. It is an inspiration for those of us fortunate to be surrounded by some of the vestiges, as it will be to researchers who will be prompted to test Fawcett’s interpretations further." Dennis Rodwell, Cornerstone

"Fawcett’s ambitious undertaking is a success, proven in this beautifully illustrated, superbly produced, comprehensive survey, which as the first study of its kind, properly gets to grips with Scotland’s overwhelmingly engaging architectural history." Emma J Wells, The Society for Medieval Archaeology

"A exceptionally compelling assessment of Scotland’s contribution to architectural innovation… Fawcett’s depth of knowledge of both medieval buildings and history is evident throughout his wonderful book. His nimble and sensitive handling of the material and its many threads allows the reader to follow the various arguments without becoming lost ion detail... Undoubtedly this book will be seen as a seminal work for the study of Scottish architecture for many years to come…. A remarkable achievement…” James F. King, Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain Newsletter